Slow growth seen for 2013

8:43 AM MST | February 8, 2013

Companies are forecasting modest growth in the global economy and industrial production in 2013. Fourth-quarter earnings reports highlighted steps taken in response to weak global economic conditions, including cost cutting and cash management, noting that anemic economic growth continues to weigh on demand ( p. 7, 13). The current IHS forecast calls for global GDP to rise 2.6% in 2013, with the United States up 1.9%, Europe down 0.2%, and China leading global growth at an 8% gain. Ecolab chairman and CEO Douglas Baker, in comments at a CEO panel at the American...